Through Jesus, the universe was created

Through Jesus, the universe was created

 ‘By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew’ ( Prov 3:19,20).

The fact that with God ‘all things are possible’ is proven by the fact that God created the entire universe out of nothing. 

The writer of Proverbs sees wisdom as a Person. As we read this through the lens of the New Testament, we see that that Person is Jesus. St Paul tells us that‘Christ is the power of God and thewisdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Until you find a relationship with Jesus, life will not really make sense. The entire universe was created through Jesus. He loves you. In a relationship with him you find God’s wisdom andGod’s power.

When you find Jesus, you find the path to Eternal life. You find true Riches and Honor. You find Peace beyond understanding. You find the source of all wisdom & understanding . He is the source of all Blessing. Seeking Jesus everyday is far more profitable than all the material blessings. In fact, ‘nothing you desire can compare with the creator of the whole universe’.

Prayer:

Lord, I seek you today. Give me wisdom, peace and power to live the kind of life you want me to lead, in Jesus name. Amen !

Good Things in Store

Good Things in Store

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...time and chance happen to them all."
Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

The scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favor that God has already released into your future. If you'll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook on your future.

So many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, "What if I fail?" "What if they don't like me?" "What if I make a mistake?" However, "What if you do succeed?" "What if they do like you?" "What if you do it better than anyone else?" That's expecting God's goodness and favor. And when you go out each day with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you'll see those good things He has in store. You'll walk into divine moments of favor, moments of blessing, moments of increase and embrace all the good things He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. I choose to keep my heart focused on the blessings in my future in Jesus' name. Amen."

Far and Beyond

Far and Beyond

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever."
Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB

TODAY'S WORD:

God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all we could ever imagine! Think about that for a moment. God wants to take you far and beyond what you've ever dreamed. He wants to accelerate you this year which means He can bring you into opportunities that will boggle your mind. He can make your career take off like a rocket. He can cause you to meet the right people who will help further your dreams. He can launch you forward more quickly than you could have imagined! He can bring you out of debt and cause you to pay that house off even though it looked impossible. You're going to get well even though the medical report says there's no way.

Things may be dark and gloomy around you, but keep your head held high. You have an advantage. You are a child of the Most High God. His face is shining down on you. God is saying that it's not going to be an average year. It's not going to be a barely-get-by year. No, you need to get ready because it's going to be a year of favor, a year of increase, a year of acceleration!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for accelerating every area of my life. I choose to put my trust in You knowing that You are directing my steps. Thank You for the good plans You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Keep Standing

Keep Standing

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:13, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes, people have problems because they are making poor choices or doing something wrong. But other times, people are having difficulties because they are doing something right.

When you're determined to fulfill your God-given destiny, and you're taking steps to improve your life or make a difference in your family or community, don't be surprised if you face opposition. The enemy is not going to just roll out the red carpet and watch you fulfill your God-given destiny. He'll do whatever he can to keep you from moving forward. The apostle Paul said this, "A wide door of opportunity is open for me and there are many adversaries." I've found that anytime you try to go forward in life, anytime you try to make progress, there will be opposition. But with God on your side, you can stand your ground! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. If you're facing opposition today, keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping. Keep fighting the good fight of faith until you see the victory He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your promise of victory. I choose to take my eyes off of my challenges and focus on You. Thank You for equipping me with Your armor so that I can stand strong in You in Jesus' name. Amen."

See Your Giants As Bread

See Your Giants As Bread

Today's Scripture

...do not...fear the people [giants] of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them. - Numbers 14:9

Today's Word

The 12 men whom Moses sent out to spy on the promised land all saw the same thing. They all saw the same big houses, the same huge grapes and yes, the same giants standing in their way! But unlike the others, Joshua and Caleb saw the giants as bread. The rest saw the giants as insurmountable, impossible obstacles. As a result, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones of their generation to enter the promised land.
When you see a “giant” today in your business, health or ministry, I challenge you to see it as bread that will only make you stronger. Don’t run away in fear, but face your giant head-on—knowing that you are armed with the Lord’s unmerited favor and the powerful promises of your faithful God!
Beloved, meditate on today’s verse. Let God’s Word drive out all timidity and give you the same spirit of faith that Joshua and Caleb had. Let it change the way you see yourself—not as a tiny grasshopper, but a giant-killer—and step into your promised land!

Prayer:

Dear Father, Give me your strength to overcome the giants that I'm facing today. Lord, I believe that your favor is upon me and you will turn everything for my good. I meditate on your word and claim the powerful promises in Jesus name, Amen !

Faith that is Alive

Faith that is Alive

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...faith without works is dead."
James 2:20, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Did you know that faith can be alive or dead? Dead faith doesn't do anything. There are a lot of people who love God, but they aren't overcoming obstacles or accomplishing their God-given dreams simply because they are not putting any action behind their faith. Their faith is simply dead.

What can you do today to keep your faith alive? It doesn't have to be something big. By simply obeying God's Word and doing your best, you are keeping your faith alive. When you go to work every day and give it 100%, you are demonstrating your faith. Sometimes just putting a smile on your face when you feel discouraged is putting action behind your faith. Taking time to go to church—that's faith that is alive. That's faith that activates God's power. That's faith that opens the door for God to move on your behalf! With faith that is alive, you'll rise up higher. You'll overcome obstacles, and you'll move forward into the blessing and victory God has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your Word which is life to my soul. Show me ways to put my faith into action. Guide my steps and keep me close to You so that everything I do brings honor to You in Jesus' name. Amen."

The Great I Am

The Great I Am

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:14, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

We serve a great and mighty God! He is the Creator of the universe, the one who spoke the worlds into existence. He's called the Great I AM, and He's saying today, "I am everything you need. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!

David put it this way in Psalm 138, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me." Maybe you feel like David today. You're surrounded by all kinds of difficulties. You're tempted to just settle right where you are. You need to get your fire back! Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on how big your God is! He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory in every area of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I choose to focus on Your greatness today. Thank You for being the I AM—everything that I need to live the life of victory in Jesus' name. Amen."

He did nôt make a mistake!

He did nôt make a mistake!
 

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Someone once said that she doesn’t deserve to be loved and that she may be not worth it and that God made a mistake, whenever she does so much good for her family, her parents do not see the good she does but they always find faults in her.

Someone once said “it feels like my life has no purpose and now I don’t feel like talking to God”

All these are things we say when we are caught up in a difficult situation, you won’t know how to lead a life if you don’t know what pain is. He knows what rejection and pain is, Jesus has been there. 

He never made a mistake making you! Even before you were conceived, He had a plan for you. Your parents may not support you today but God wanted their DNA’s to form you!

It doesn’t matter where you come from because you are the light there. You learn through pain and through difficult times you grow stronger.

Trust Him with Your Dreams

Trust Him with Your Dreams
 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives."
John 12:24, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you frustrated because a dream isn't happening on your timetable? It's good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that's all you think about and you're not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that's out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar. 

Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but when we let them go, that's when God can bring them to pass. If you'll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, that's when God can begin to move. Take that same time and energy to thank God that He's directing your steps and watch how it opens the door for God to give you the desires of your heart. 

We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He's the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn't be consumed with trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are! Stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I release my dreams and desires like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust that Your plans will unfold in every area of my life in Jesus' name. Amen."

Trust Him to Make a Way

Trust Him to Make a Way

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go your way. Maybe you aren't getting out of debt as fast as you wanted. Or, you're experiencing some challenges in your health or relationships. We have to be careful not to give up just because it hasn't happened on our timetable. Remember, we serve a supernatural God. His ways are higher than our ways. When we believe, all things become possible!

The first step is to quit trying to figure everything out. There may not be a way in the natural, but that's okay. God can do what men can't do. Think about the children of Israel. When they left Egypt, there were two million of them. Then, Pharaoh came chasing after them, and when they came to a dead end at the Red Sea, it looked like it was over. They couldn't see a way out, but that didn't mean there wasn't a way. God simply parted the Red Sea, and they went through on dry ground.

Remember, if it looks like there is no way in the natural, trust God to make a way. He'll part the waters if He has to! He'll do whatever it takes to lead and guide you in the path of victory that He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I trust that with You, all things are possible. I take my eyes off of my circumstances and put my trust and hope in You. I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness in Jesus' name. Amen."

Remind Yourself of His Promises

Remind Yourself of His Promises

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Joshua 1:8,

TODAY'S WORD:

When things don't go the way you planned or something unexpected happens, how do you respond? Do you start expecting the worst, or do you go to God's Word and remind yourself of His promises?

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith activates God's promises. When difficulties come and you're tempted to get upset, remind yourself of His Word and declare, "This is not going to prosper against me. They may be talking about me. It may look bad, but I know God is my Vindicator. He'll take care of me. I know God has me in the palm of His hand."

When you remind yourself of His promises, you don't have to get worried. You know God is still on the throne. You know that problem didn't come to stay; it came to pass. So today, remind yourself of His promises and feed your faith so that you can move forward in the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for every one of Your amazing promises. I choose to meditate on Your Word today which brings life to my soul. Fill me with Your peace as I stand in faith until I see the victory You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

"Little Things Mean a Lot"

"Little Things Mean a Lot"

Luke 16:10 – He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

In the Holy Bible, the prophet Elisha told a man named Naaman to go wash in the river Jordan and he would be cured of his leprosy. Naaman was the captain of an army, a very influential man. He didn’t want to go wash in the dirty Jordan River. His attitude was, “That’s absurd. That’s little. That’s insignificant. That’s not going to make any difference.” His assistant said, “Naaman, if he would have asked you to do something hard, something big, you would do it. Why don’t you do this small thing?” Naaman finally went and washed in the Jordan, and he was totally healed.

I wonder how many of us would see our breakthrough, our healing, our promotion, or a dream come to pass if we would just do the small thing that God is asking us to do. People think, “Oh, it doesn’t really matter. I’ll do it one day.” But realize today, those little things mean a lot. They are keeping you from the fullness of your destiny. It may be something small, but your act of obedience will cause God to release the big thing that He would change the course of your life forever.

Father, I turn my heart and mind toward You right now. Search me; know me. Show me any areas of my life where I have not been obedient to You. I commit to follow You in the big things and the little things so that I can live the blessed life You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

WHY BE AFRAID?

WHY BE AFRAID?

John 8:19-39. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
   
John Wesley – evangelist, author, and hymn writer – had always thought of himself as a Christian. Once, however, as he was traveling across the Atlantic Ocean, the ship he was on encountered a violent storm. He became frightened and terror stricken.
        As he observed his fellow passengers, he noticed that the group of Moravian missionaries remained peaceful and unafraid, showing no fear. When the storm passed and the seas were calm once again, he went to one of the missionaries and asked, “Why weren’t you afraid?”
        “Why should we be afraid,” he answered, “we know Christ.” Then looking at Wesley he asked, “Do you know Christ?” And Wesley, the preacher, realized for the first time in his life that he did not know Christ as His Savior.
        We may know all about the Bible, but not know the Savior of the Bible. We can know of His miracles, but never believe in or accept the fact that it was His death, burial, and resurrection that made our salvation possible. Only when we call upon His name, repent and turn from our sins, and receive Him as Savior will we be born again.

Prayer: We pray, Lord, that if there is one reading this devotional who is not born again, that he or she will accept You now. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

Do Not Be Afraid

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. 'Joseph, son of David,' the angel said, 'do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.'"
Matthew 1:20, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or even afraid of what God has called you to do? Maybe you were pursuing a dream or goal, and things didn't turn out the way you planned. Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn't know what to think. He was afraid that he might be making a mistake because things didn't turn out the way he planned, but God sent an angel in a dream to reassure Joseph that he was on the right path.

Today let me reassure you that God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don't go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, and He will lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I choose to trust in You. Even when things don't go the way I've planned, I know that You are at work in my life. Thank You for leading me forward in Your plan for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

"Be successful with Jesus"

"Be successful with Jesus"

Genesis 39:2– “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

Joseph was sold as a slave to an Egyptian officer – it was highly unlikely that he would find any success there. But the Bible tells us otherwise. The Lord was with Joseph, and therefore, he became a successful man. To the world, Joseph was just another slave, not a well-known officer like his master was. But behind the scenes, God was working.

In fact, Joseph had such a good relationship with God that even his master knew that the Lord was with him. God caused everything Joseph did to succeed, bringing him favour in the eyes of his master. Eventually he was put in charge of the entire house. Even when he was wrongly accused and sent to prison, the prison warden put him in charge of everything there!

When God is with you, you will be successful. There is no doubt about that! Yes, you may face prison like situations at times, but even there, God’s hand will life you up. Just like God took Joseph from the prison to Pharoah’s palace, so will He raise you up when you trust Him. Stay tuned to God and see if He will not make everything you do a success. And when you do become successful, people around you will notice that it is the Lord who has done it. May you bring glory to God through the successes He brings your way.

Make Preparations

Make Preparations

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...Prepare the way of the Lord..."
Isaiah 40:3, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Everyone goes through seasons of waiting. A lot of times, people just sit back and wait for God to do everything. But you have to remember to do your part and make preparations. You have to talk like it's going to happen and act like it's going to happen. Some people might say, “Well, what if I do and it doesn't happen?” Really, we should think, "What if I do and it does happen?" Even if things don't turn out the way you had hoped, you are better off living your life feeling positive and hopeful than going around down and discouraged.

I love what David said in the Bible, “God, my times are in Your hands.” He was saying, “God, I don't know when it's going to happen, but I know You know what's best for me.” So I'm going to go out today expecting good things. Even if it doesn't happen, I'm not going to go to bed disappointed. I'm going to go to bed knowing that I'm one day closer to seeing my dreams and desires come to pass!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I dedicate this day to You. Show me how to prepare for the blessings that are coming in my future. Help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You in Jesus' name. Amen."

"Protect Your Seed"

"Protect Your Seed"

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Genesis 8:22, AMP

TODAY'S WORD:

Did you know that when we say prayers, when we are believing God for something, it's like planting spiritual seeds? It's a principle that God established at the beginning of time. We determine the harvest we have in our lives by the seeds we sow.

In the natural, think about how the farmer waits for his harvest. He knows that if he protects his seed, he will get an abundant harvest. He waters it, pulls the weeds, and keeps the soil soft.

In the same way, we have to protect our spiritual seed. We can't allow the “weeds” of negative thinking to come in. We have to pull them out by simply saying, “God, I know You're faithful. My trust and confidence are in You.” We have to water our seed by staying full of praise. We have to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. That's how we protect our seed. And when you protect your seed, when you stay in faith and keep the right attitude, it won't be long before you will see that harvest of blessing in every area of your life.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I declare that my trust and confidence are in You. Thank You for hearing my prayers. I know that the seed of Your Word will produce an abundant harvest in my life in Jesus' name! Amen."

Receive His Word, Bite-sized

Receive His Word, Bite-sized

Today's Scripture
For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven...so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth...
Isaiah 55:10–11

Today's Word
God holds the entire universe in the palm of His hand. His knowledge is fathomless and His wisdom knows no limits. If He were to release all His knowledge and wisdom on us at one go, our finite brains would not be able to take it! That’s why in the Book of Isaiah, it says that God’s Word proceeds from His mouth and comes down to us like the rain and snow—in bite-sized droplets or flakes.
My friend, God wants you to partake of His Word, and He gives you nourishment from it in bite-sized portions that you can easily digest. So don’t worry about not understanding a whole sermon or an entire chapter in the Bible. Just trust the Holy Spirit to impart to you what you need to know—it will be more than enough nourishment for the day.
Just one word of wisdom from the Lord through His Word can change your entire situation. Just one word from His mouth can break that lifelong addiction, drive out that disease, restore that broken marriage or give you a great business idea. You don’t have to understand the entire Bible to make your way successful each day. Just be sure to collect and consume those bite-sized portions of God’s Word every day!

What a friend we have in Jesus

John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you"

What a privilege to have the Creator & Ruler of this whole universe as our friend. He is our Father to provide for us, mother to comfort us, brother to guide us and friend to share everything with us. One true friend can understand all our emotions, feelings, longings, weaknesses, failures, desires and everything, He is none other than Jesus our Lord. We have the privilege to carry everything to Him in prayer. Because we do not have a friend who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin. He has already gone through our life situations, and He has overcome them as well.

He is the best person who can understand our situation more than anyone else in the world. Even our loved-ones and friends may fail us, but He never fails. Every day brings its own trials and temptations; we go through the same situations as others in the world do; however the difference is that we have a God who is our friend; we can take everything to Him in prayer. Because He listens to us and He even joins us in this life journey in the world to make it beautiful! What an intense meaning this old hymn carries for generations. Yes, take it to the Lord in prayer!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Receive the Overflow

Receive the Overflow

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"…we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."
Psalm 66:12, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Friend, no matter what your circumstances may look like today, God's plan is to bring you through to a place of abundance. He wants you to have an abundance of peace, an abundance of joy, an abundance of resources—He wants you to overflow with His blessings so that you can be a blessing to the people around you.

If you want to live in the overflow of God's blessings, you have to have an attitude to receive the overflow. Remember, as a believer in Jesus, you are a child of the Most High God. Royal blood is flowing through your veins. You were not created to be average. You were not created to barely get by and drag through life. You have seeds of greatness on the inside. You are well able to do whatever God has called you to do!

Today, put your shoulders back, hold your head up high and start thinking like a victor. When you're a victor, you know that any adversity in your life is not permanent; it's temporary. Have the attitude to receive the overflow of God's abundance. Keep believing and keep expecting because it's just a matter of time until He turns things around in your favor!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I open my mind and heart to You. I choose to believe that You have a good plan for me. By faith, I receive the blessings You have for me so that I can be a blessing to others in Jesus’ name. Amen."

"APPEARANCE OR ATTITUDE?"

"APPEARANCE OR ATTITUDE?"

2 Corinthians 12:7-9. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

        Many believe that it is one’s physical attributes and strength that lead to success.
        Robert Louis Stevenson had tuberculosis. However he is recognized for writing some of the world’s most popular stories and famous novels. Charles Steinmetz was a dwarf like cripple, but he is credited with over one hundred electrical inventions. Louis Pasteur was subject to epileptic seizures, but he discovered the germ-killing process called pasteurization. Fanny Crosby was blind from infancy, yet she wrote more than six thousand hymns including: “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “Blessed Assurance.”
        The Apostle Paul spoke of his “thorn in the flesh.” It was an affliction that he lived with, yet it never stopped him from serving God with every ounce of strength that he possessed. We can call upon the power of God’s strength to enable us to overcome any weakness or handicap, setback or sickness. We can use any limitation or handicap to increase our dependence upon God to bless us and from this dependency develop a closer relationship with Him. Through Him…all things are possible.

Prayer: Help us, Savior, to recognize that who and what we are is Your gift to us; and what we do with it, our gift to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

"THE IMPORTANCE OF IMAGINATION"

"THE IMPORTANCE OF IMAGINATION"

Philippians 4:8-9. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.

        Clarence Saunders was the clerk in a small grocery store. He was often troubled when people said that there were not enough items available for them to make a good choice.
        One day while standing in line in a cafeteria, he suddenly realized how attractive the food was displayed and the wide selection of choices that were available. His imagination went to work and in his mind he saw grocery shelves stocked with many different brands. He then applied the self-help principal of a cafeteria to a grocery store and the Piggly Wiggly grocery chain was born.
        Imagination is a wonderful gift. It can be used to explore new ideas and creative ventures. On the other hand, it can destroy us if we use it to think thoughts that are damaging, destructive or defeating.
        Whatever we put into our minds determines what will come out in words, actions, thoughts – and yes – our imaginations. Paul wisely advised us to “fix our minds on what is true, honorable, right, lovely, admirable and worthy of praise.” In other words, we are to program our minds with good things. If we do so, we will eliminate evil, dirty, and damaging thoughts that will result in behaviors that will destroy us and dishonor God. Think worthy thoughts; do worthy things!

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to meditate on Your Word and Your truths so that we will think Godly thoughts. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Keep Pressing Through

Keep Pressing Through

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'..."
2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

We all go through seasons of difficulty that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But during these times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than the struggle we face! He'll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and get into agreement with Him.

Think about the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. When it's wrapped in its cocoon in the dark on the backside of some tree, it doesn't look like it has many options. But after it becomes a butterfly, it doesn't just sit and wait for someone to come and drill a hole and let it out. No! That butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it's going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places we are in. We have to pray; we have to believe and keep pressing through to victory.

Today, no matter what you may be facing, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. Keep believing, keep praying, keep hoping and keep pressing through. Before long, you'll break free and rise to the new levels of victory God has prepared for you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf in Jesus' name. Amen."

What if They Don't Believe?

What if They Don't Believe?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
Romans 3:3, KJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Have the opinions of others caused you to water down your dreams? There will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don't have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don't set the limits for your life—you do. It's not what others say about you that affects your life, it's what you say and believe about yourself. In today's verse, the apostle Paul is saying, “It doesn't matter if other people don't believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” When God puts a promise in your heart, it's not up to other people to bring it to pass, it's up to you! You don't need everyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for another day to see Your goodness in my life. Help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me to see the plans You have for me so that I can be empowered to fulfill my destiny. I love You and bless Your name today in Jesus' name. Amen."

"GIVING AND RECEIVING"

"GIVING AND RECEIVING"

Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days."

        An elderly couple walked slowly to the desk in a hotel. They were exhausted from their travels and wanted to retire as quickly as possible. When they asked for a room, the clerk politely said, “I’m sorry, but we have no vacancies.” However, when he saw the look of despair on their faces, he said, “But I can’t send you away in such horrible conditions. You may have my room.”
        Hesitatingly, they accepted his offer and settled in for the night. As they were leaving the next morning the gentleman said to the clerk, “You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States.”
        Two years later that clerk, George Boldt, received a letter from the gentleman. It contained a ticket to New York. Leading Mr. Boldt into a new hotel named the Waldorf-Astoria, the gentleman said, “I built this hotel for you to manage. My name is William Waldorf Astor.”
        Solomon wrote, “Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later.” Giving involves risk and opportunity, trust and adventure. But God demands it and will always reward it.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to reach out to those in need, knowing that You will honor our efforts and reward our deeds. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

http://amazingreallifeinfo.blogspot.in/2014/03/truth-is-stranger-than-fiction-story-of.html

Every Day is a Gift

Every Day is a Gift

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn't go your way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what's wrong, we'll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.

I encourage you today to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don't wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That's why the psalmist prayed to God, "Teach us to number our days." He was saying, "Teach us to value every moment that we've been given." As you daily keep a proper perspective, you'll gain a heart of wisdom and experience the full blessing that He has for you each and every day!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You in Jesus' name. Amen."

"Pave the Way for Victory"

"Pave the Way for Victory"

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."
Psalm 5:3, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Did you know that every morning you have the opportunity to set the tone for your whole day? When you put God first and decide to go out with a grateful attitude and a positive frame of mind, not only will you feel better, but you're going to draw in the good things of God. You are paving the way for success and victory. But if you get up thinking, “Man, life's a drag. Nothing good ever happens to me. It's going to be a lousy day,” then you are going to attract defeat, failure and mediocrity.

Today, choose to set your day in the right direction. Find something to thank God for. If you have to, make a list of all the good things in your life and post it on your bathroom mirror. As you continually choose to set your mind on Him first thing in the morning, you'll pave the way to victory and enjoy the good things He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to set my mind on You. Thank You for Your goodness and mercy and for always preparing the way for victory in Jesus' name! Amen."

"Rely on Christ’s Strength"

"Rely on Christ’s Strength"

“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” - (Hebrews 11:25).

There is no temptation that we have faced or will ever face with which Jesus is not familiar.

None of us can look up to heaven and say, “God, You don’t understand what I’m going through,” because He understands better than anyone.

Satan is a master manipulator. He chooses the timing, the place, and the circumstances in which to soft pitch us with his temptations. In Matthew 4, we see how Satan tempted the Lord Jesus three times—each time in a different area. Today we will look at the temptation for pleasure.

Jesus had been fasting in the wilderness for forty days, and He was hungry. So Satan came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:3-4).

Notice that the devil did not come to him on the first day, the second day, the twentieth day, or even the thirtieth day. He waited until the end of the forty days of fasting; that’s when he lobbed the first temptation.

The first temptation of Christ was something like this: “Should I obey the Father, or should I fulfill my desires? Should I wait for the Father’s timing, or should I take things into my own hands? Should I seek the glory of my Father, or should I gratify myself and my desires? Should I continue to place the Father’s business above my business?”

As Christians, this is the very temptation that we face every day. If we rely on Christ’s strength in us, we will be able to overcome it and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Prayer: Our Loving Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help me to be on guard against the temptation for pleasure. Help me to recognize it and be able to resist, standing firm on the Word of God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."

"Good morning"
"Have a blessed day"

Let God fill us with His Spirit in the coming year!

Let God fill us with His Spirit in the coming year!

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
(Matthew 9:16-17 (NIV))

As we enter in the new year what are we going to fill ourselves with?

Society looks at the new year as a chance to make a clean start. We make resolutions about things that we plan on doing differently. We tell ourselves and others that we will lose weight, that we will exercise, that we will go to church more, that we will . . .

It could go on and on and list the things that we say we are going to do. Have we ever stopped to think that what we say we are going to do is comparable to the new wine and that we are the old wineskins? We cannot handle the new things without changing ourselves first. It is a matter of the heart. It is a matter of priorities.

If you go into an activity to lose weight and get in shape and you try to start full throttle, it usually doesn’t last long. We must start slowly and build up to what we long to do. The same is true of our spirituality and our relationship with Jesus. We must learn to crawl before we can walk. We must learn to walk before we can run. To use the concept that we are familiar with, we must be fed milk until we are mature enough for solid food.

Walking with Jesus, just like anything in this life, is not an activity that we can achieve perfection instantly. We will stumble. We will fall, and we will all have times when we will think that Jesus must really be shaking His head because of all of our failures.

Don’t give up!

A life spent walking with Jesus is just that. It is a life long event. It is a journey and not a destination. We can’t simply arrive at a point where we are perfect in our walk. We will be made new every single day of our life. We will be filled with new wine as our old wineskin is made anew.

Let's pray that we go in to this new year with the attitude that we will stand firm and stay the course that is laid out before us.

Paul described it as a race and that he was in it to win it!

"Good morning"
"Have a blessed Sunday"

Get a Vision for Overflow

Get a Vision for Overflow

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Where there is no vision...the people perish..."
Proverbs 29:18, AMP

TODAY'S WORD:

What is the vision you have for your life? Do you see yourself rising higher? Do you see yourself increasing and growing in the blessing of God?

If we are going to live the abundant, overflowing life that God has promised us, we have to have a vision for it. We have to see ourselves so blessed and so filled that we overflow on to the people around us. We should have so much joy that others are joyful just being in our presence. We should have so much peace that people just feel calm when they come around us. We should overflow in our resources so that we can turn around and be a blessing to others. But it all starts with having a vision for overflow.

I want to challenge you today, start seeing yourself living the abundant life God has promised. Start seeing yourself increasing in influence. Get a vision for overflow and receive His overflow so you can experience the abundant life He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your increase and blessing in my life so that I can be a blessing to others. Help me to have a vision for overflow. Help me see my life the way You see it so that I can embrace the abundant life You have promised in Jesus' name. Amen."